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Jan Vertonghen emerges as potential free-transfer target for Manchester City

Jan Vertonghen - AFP
Jan Vertonghen - AFP

Tottenham centre-back Jan Vertonghen has emerged as a potential free-transfer signing for Pep Guardiola during Manchester City’s summer transfer window.

City have a budget of £200million for new signings after getting their UEFA ban for Financial Fair Play breaches overturned, although Vertonghen would not cost a penny in fees as he is out of contract.

The Belgium international, 33, is seen as a short-term solution in Guardiola’s defence and also offers cover at left-back. His experience under Mauricio Pochettino and for his country means he is expected to adapt to City’s style of play.

Guardiola will focus on strengthening his defence as a priority when the season finishes and is looking for a centre-back and left-back, with Vertonghen among the potential candidates after eight years with Spurs.

Roma and Inter Milan have considered taking him to Italy, while Spanish clubs Real Betis and Sevilla are monitoring his situation. Ajax looked at signing him for a fee in January but interest has cooled. The opportunity to stay in England, where Vertonghen has settled with his family, would tempt the veteran defender.

Action Images via Reuters  - Action Images via Reuters 
Action Images via Reuters - Action Images via Reuters

Guardiola has not covered for Vincent Kompany’s departure a year ago and Vertonghen is among the centre-backs who would need little adapting to the Premier League.

Kompany’s international team-mate, who reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup, was played by Jose Mourinho at left-back when Danny Rose left for Newcastle and Ben Davies was injured.

He was a key part of Pochettino’s team that reached the Champions League final last season but a new contract has not been agreed and he is poised to leave as a free agent after the final games of the season against Newcastle United, Leicester City and Crystal Palace.

Mourinho has started him in one game during Project Restart, the draw against Bournemouth, and has dropped Eric Dier into defence for some games.

City have Aymeric Laporte as their left-sided centre-back but Vertonghen would provide cover. Guardiola also has Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Eric Garcia but is looking for further options when the transfer window opens.

Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly is among the high-profile centre-backs that Guardiola will look at.  At left-back, City are looking at Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell, who is also on Chelsea’s radar.